WASHINGTON, Sept. 25  -- China does not intend to pursue militarization of Nansha Islands in South China Sea and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday.

Relevant construction activities China is undertaking on the islands do not target or impact any country, Xi said at a joint press conference with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House.

"Islands in the South China Sea, since ancient times, are China's territory. We have the right to uphold our own territorial sovereignty and lawful and legitimate maritime rights and interests," Xi said.